Thursday, June 26, 2014

Thaicom first in Asia to introduce in-flight broadband

I'd love to have this onboard AirAsia's Airbus as I will be travelling frequently in the second half of this year. If correctly priced, in-flight broadband would be a hit among today's connected generation.

I would be one of those passengers who'd subscribe to such services.

How it works. Image from Thaicom's service provider, row44.com

Another first for Thailand

Thailand's leading satellite operator, Thaicom has become the first in the Asia Pacific region to introduce commercial in-flight connectivity services using Ku-band to provide broadband on commercial flights beginning in August 2014.

The nation's premium low cost carrier Nok Air, which clocks about 48,000 flights per year will provide broadband Wi-Fi services on many of its aircraft starting in August - ranging from Internet access to other complimentary services in the future.

The Thaicom In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) broadband service, with its partner Global Eagle Entertainment/Row44, will be implemented as a value added service for Nok Air passengers. The service is capable of delivering 3G-like speed for a superior in-flight broadband experience.

"Nok Air is adding in-flight Wi-Fi to our existing complimentary services to increase the appeal to passengers, particularly the new generation who insist on connectivity." - Patee Sarasin, Chief Executive Officer of Nok Airlines

The carrier has already offered free broadband connection at airport boarding gates and the introduction of in-flight Wi-Fi is consistent with the airline's drive to be innovative. Cool!